Title VIN Number Question

[Calahan]

Question for the experts.

Regarding 1931 Pickup

The Vehicle Identification Number ( VIN ) on my Title reads 441xxxx.

The engine block reads A 441xxxx.


Question: Should the letter "A " be included on the title VIN Number ?

[DaWizard]

If both the numbers are the same and the only thing missing is the "A", I say leave it be. Most states DMV will make you jump through way too many hoops to add the letter.

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Calahan

Question for the experts.

Regarding 1931 Pickup

The Vehicle Identification Number ( VIN ) on my Title reads 441xxxx.

The engine block reads A 441xxxx.


Question: Should the letter "A " be included on the title VIN Number ?

What EXACTLY is the number that was stamped ON THE FRAME? Should include the "A". (And stars.)

If the original engine was changed, and the boss on the block was milled to place the frame number on it, that may be a reason it has no "A".

[Rancho Deluxe]

It sounds like a typo by the DMV, Not a big deal to have them add it..

[ModAfan]

hould the letter "A " be included on the title VIN Number ?

I don't know if it should be or not, but it is on my title in Taxachusetts.

[SeaSlugs]

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leave it alone...My title says Model A when its really an AA...this is the 2nd title for the vehicle as the first go around it was a 1929 ford grand cherokee...

In reality it should match the frame number - start getting squeaky about letters on titles they may want proof it matches the frame. You do that and wallah frame number is completely different - now what are ya gonna do?

[ronn]

have 4000 titles here- EVERYONE is a bit different, sort of like peoples personalities.....

leave well enough alone and dont be anal over it!

[DaWizard]

Originally Posted by Rancho Deluxe

It sounds like a typo by the DMV, Not a big deal to have them add it..

Just so ya know, the DMV out here in Cali can do NO wrong, specially a typo!!

They will MAKE you fill out form after form and remove the body from the frame over the smallest detail.

My '28 Tudor, has NO letter OR Star on the title from Michigan, and I'm leaving it like that until the time I am forced to remove the body by some unforeseen reason, like total destruction of the fender and apron.

Another 2¢

[Calahan]

Thank guys.
I may approach Florida DMV and request information on this issue.
I will inform them the car has not been purchased at this time.

I agree, If its going to create a problem, I will just let it be.

I will update this posting with more information sometime in Jan. or Feb'

Thanks again

[Art Newland]

I agree, If its going to create a problem, I will just let it be.

You've got it backwards... "let it be" or you "will create a problem".

[DaWizard]

Originally Posted by art newland

you've got it backwards... "let it be" or you "will create a problem".

x2!!

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Art Newland

You've got it backwards... "let it be" or you "will create a problem".

x3!

leave

it

alone!

Unless you like creating a massive headache for you and your wallet....

[DaWizard]

Just remember, the "government" is only there to make your life miserable, and when you hand them the whip, you can be sure that they will give you as many lashes as they can before you cry uncle!

It ain't broke, please don't try to fix it, for your own well being and sanity.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

All Model As had A stamping on the frame preceeding the number with the exception of large trucks which were AA, if missing on the frame it may be as simple as the guy forgot to stamp the A on the production line. The number is the thing that matters on the registration.

[Bill Batson]

Just bought a 1930 Deluxe Coupe which has a California VIN number assinged to it. A California ID plate attached to the driver door frame and that number is used on the Illinois title I received.

When would California require a new number be issued.

Thanks in advance
Bill

[DaWizard]

Originally Posted by Bill Batson

Just bought a 1930 Deluxe Coupe which has a California VIN number assinged to it. A California ID plate attached to the driver door frame and that number is used on the Illinois title I received.

When would California require a new number be issued.

Thanks in advance
Bill

Never. If all those numbers match, nothing need be done in Ca except maybe an inspection because it came from out of state.

Since the numbers were issued in Ca, everything should be fine. I would look in your area for an independent inspector instead of making an appointment with the CHP because I don't think they do inspections at the DMV anymore. I just finished registering my '28 Tudor from Mi without tag or plate and they wanted an inspection which would have required appointment after appointment to get things settled, found an independent inspector, she did it ALL for me, no appointment needed.

And since you took it from Ca to Il I see no reason why they wouldn't accept the title as it since Ca is one of the strictest states for titles.

[Benson]

I would NOT stir up the DMV ....

There was a guy some years ago that bought a junky VW Micro bus without a title.

He spent $30,000 restoring it ... then he decided to apply for a title.

DVM did a title search ... guess what?

The Bus had been stolen 30 years earlier ...

DMV returned the bus to the original owner and restorer was SOL.

Morale to story.

1. Always get a clear title ... even for a "junker" BEFORE spending any money!

2. ANY dealings with the DMV might open "a can of worms" !!

I do not think the letter A and stars are on very many titles at least the ones I have seen ...

[Special Coupe Frank]

Contact some folks in the Florida Model A clubs, and see what consensus you get from them.

In general, the number that appears on the title should be able to be found on the vehicle.

I would think that what you have in-hand is close enough to satisfy most Model A guys when it comes time to sell the vehicle.

Most DMVs are not experts in antique car taxonomy, and are not particularly interested in "Helping" the hobbyist.

I've run into my share of DMV clerks who insisted that the only acceptable number for registering a vehicle was the 17-character Alpha-Numeric "VIN number". They weren't interested in hearing that my vehicle pre-dated the VIN system by 30-some years.

If you go asking to amend your title, the state will probably insist that you take the vehicle to a State Police garage, and have a State Police inspector verify the frame #, which means removing the body of the vehicle.

And before doing that, I 'd want to be sure there really was a serial number still visible on the frame.

[ronn]

And since you took it from Ca to Il I see no reason why they wouldn't accept the title as it since Ca is one of the strictest states for titles. _____

not close to true- Cali is one of the EASIEST states out there, believe it or not.

you want problem states? OH and Nebraska are a nightmare!

[jimalabam]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it...